As temperatures rise for the summer, homeowners across the country are looking for ways to stay cool without seeing a large increase in their energy costs. Similarly, homeowners are making a concerted effort to lower their environmental impact and make changes for the better. Couvrant Interior Window Fashions knows that window treatments can be an effective way to block heat and lower energy costs, and offers  window treatments in the Washington, D.C. area  for homeowners that want protection against the light, glares, and heat from the summer sun. Here, Couvrant Interior Window Fashion discusses a few of the best window treatments for blocking the heat and saving on energy costs this summer.

Cellular shades are constructed with honey-comb shaped air pockets, forming a layer of insulation that reduces how much heat is conducted through windows. This means that cellular shades are excellent for helping cut energy costs during hot summer months. One of the benefits of cellular shades is that they have the highest efficiency value, as they were invented to reduce consumers’ energy use. The shades can reduce unwanted solar heat that enters through windows by as much as 80% in the summer months, and you can also choose between single-cell or double-cell options depending on your needs. Cellular shades are not only chosen because they are incredibly energy efficient, but they are also sleek, attractive, and can be customized to your design needs as well.

Drapes, depending on features such as color and fabric weight, can be an excellent way to insulate your home against solar heat gain in summer months. For example, the Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that a medium-colored drape with a plastic backing and a tight seal can reduce heat gain by up to 33%. Drapes also can stay cooler than some other available window treatments because folds and pleats lose heat through convection. Of course, proper installation is crucial for energy efficiency, and it is recommended to position drapes as close to the window as possible and from either a cornice or right up to the ceiling down to the floor for best results. Professionals can also help homeowners select drapes of the correct length, color, and material for maximum energy efficiency.

Roman shades are often chosen because they can be used to achieve a variety of interior design looks, and are popular window treatments in the Washington, D.C. area because they can help insulate a chilly room in cooler months. Roman shades are an asset in the summer as well, as the thick insulating material that they are made from makes them a great choice for blocking the sun and heat while improving energy efficiency. Roman shades need to be fully closed when blocking out the heat for best results, but they can be installed top-down bottom-up to allow homeowners to let in more daylight while still saving on energy costs.

Shutters can help homeowners keep their places cool while saving energy costs because they address the problem that heated or cooled air can be lost through poorly insulated windows. Shutters usually have less gaps than other window treatments because they are installed to tightly fit the window frame, and their adjustable panels prevent the transfer of warm air from outside to indoors. Homeowners can also adjust how much light that they want to block when using plantation shutters and other options that feature louvers. In the summer, closed shutters can block disruptive sunlight while also keeping out hot air. Another benefit of choosing shutters is that they add to the aesthetics of your home and could be a factor that attracts potential buyers if you were ever to put your house on the market.

Finding the right window treatments for your home can seem like a daunting process at first, but it is also an opportunity to express your personality and aesthetic through your choices. The expert team at Couvrant Interior Window Fashions acknowledges how important it is to have proper protection from the sun and its heat this summer and is available to help homeowners through the process of finding window treatments in the Washington, D.C. area.